LEGISLATION: According "The California Legislature" by Beek, Shanaham "played a leading part in the introduction of the Australian ballot in state elections." The "Australian ballot" is now known as "the secret vote" (in which a the choices of a voter are kept secret) is now regarded as a fundamental of a true democratic election.

NICKNAME: Shanahan was known as "The Tall Sycamore from Shasta"

Source: The California Legislature by Joseph Beek. Printed by the CA Secretary of the Senate (1981).Source: "Some Public Men". The Sunday Union (Sacramento), 2/8/1891. Page 7.Source: California Blue Book (1911)